Caught Bouquet

Red stain on a virgins lip

bleeding in from gilded tip.

A tomato forgotten on the vine,

Deep hue of blood;

Seared in by sunlight’s

            Warmth

Soft petals edge

Light shining white,

reflecting soft satin.

Flowing from her waist as a

perfect pour of thickest milk

Pitcher to hip

Lip to floor

A robust bloom,

full as a porcelain bowl.

Young bridegroom’s eyes

Green of aspen leaves

Sunshine and shadow green

green of apples skin and

mossy glen, seat for

            many

stems. Thick and

strong—upholding.

Buds of white

Crisp cotton on the line

Springs bubbling blue

lilting on transparency.

Breathing sugared air with the roses

Petals dreamt of

before their sprout.

Young bride

New wife

Blooming scent of love’s

New life.